Extra food stamps are given to households during emergencies like COVID-19 because of job loss and school closures. The extra food stamps help people afford to buy food. The government has said the extra food stamps will stop after the emergency is over. The exact date when the extra food stamps will stop depends on when the government says the emergency is over.
Pandemic Food Stamps Extended: What You Need To Know
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has extended the emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits that were implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. This means that most SNAP recipients will continue to receive an additional $95 per month through September 2023.
Key Facts About SNAP Benefits
- The first emergency benefits were distributed in April 2020.
- The average household received an additional $20 per month from April 2020 to May 2021.
- The current average benefit is $95 per month.
- Over 40 million people in the United States receive SNAP benefits.
- SNAP benefits are used to purchase food and non-alcoholic beverages at authorized retailers.
How to Apply For SNAP Benefits
To apply for SNAP benefits, you can either contact your local SNAP office or apply online.
To apply in person:
- Find your local SNAP office.
- Bring the required documents with you.
- Fill out an application form.
- Submit the application form.
To apply online:
- Go to the USDA SNAP website.
- Click on the “Apply for SNAP” button.
- Follow the instructions on the website.
Benefits Scheduled to End in September 2023
The following emergency SNAP benefits are scheduled to end in September 2023:
| Benefit | Expiration Date |
|---|---|
| Additional $95 per month | September 30, 2023 |
| Waiver of SNAP time limits | September 30, 2023 |
| Extension of SNAP eligibility for certain individuals | September 30, 2023 |
Additional Resources
Timeline of Extra Food Stamps
The extra food stamps, also known as emergency allotments, were a temporary increase in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits provided during the COVID-19 pandemic. These extra allotments ended for most states in March 2023, with a few exceptions.
State-by-State End Dates for Extra Food Stamps
The following table shows the end dates for extra food stamps in each state:
| State | End Date |
|---|---|
| Alabama | February 28, 2023 |
| Arizona | March 1, 2023 |
| Arkansas | February 28, 2023 |
| California | February 28, 2023 |
| Colorado | February 28, 2023 |
| Connecticut | February 28, 2023 |
| Delaware | February 28, 2023 |
| Florida | February 28, 2023 |
| Georgia | February 28, 2023 |
| Hawaii | March 31, 2023 |
- Idaho: March 31, 2023
- Illinois: February 28, 2023
- Indiana: February 28, 2023
- Iowa: February 28, 2023
- Kansas: February 28, 2023
- Kentucky: February 28, 2023
- Louisiana: February 28, 2023
- Maine: March 10, 2023
- Maryland: February 28, 2023
- Massachusetts: March 10, 2023
- Michigan: March 10, 2023
- Minnesota: February 28, 2023
- Mississippi: March 31, 2023
- Missouri: February 28, 2023
- Montana: March 31, 2023
- Nebraska: February 28, 2023
- Nevada: March 31, 2023
- New Hampshire: March 31, 2023
- New Jersey: February 28, 2023
- New Mexico: February 28, 2023
- New York: March 31, 2023
- North Carolina: February 28, 2023
- North Dakota: February 28, 2023
- Ohio: February 28, 2023
- Oklahoma: February 28, 2023
- Oregon: March 31, 2023
- Pennsylvania: February 28, 2023
- Rhode Island: March 10, 2023
- South Carolina: February 28, 2023
- South Dakota: February 28, 2023
- Tennessee: February 28, 2023
- Texas: February 28, 2023
- Utah: February 28, 2023
- Vermont: March 31, 2023
- Virginia: March 10, 2023
- Washington: March 10, 2023
- West Virginia: February 28, 2023
- Wisconsin: February 28, 2023
- Wyoming: March 31, 2023
Exceptions:
- Arizona: Extra food stamps will continue through April 2023.
- California: Extra food stamps will continue through February 2024.
- Hawaii: Extra food stamps will continue through June 2023.
- Idaho: Extra food stamps will continue through April 2023.
- Montana: Extra food stamps will continue through June 2023.
- Nevada: Extra food stamps will continue through April 2023.
- New Hampshire: Extra food stamps will continue through May 2023.
- New Mexico: Extra food stamps will continue through May 2023.
- New York: Extra food stamps will continue through April 2023.
- Oregon: Extra food stamps will continue through June 2023.
- Vermont: Extra food stamps will continue through April 2023.
- Wyoming: Extra food stamps will continue through June 2023.
End of Emergency Allotments
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to economic hardships, resulting in many individuals and families relying on food assistance programs like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The U.S. government responded by providing emergency allotments, also known as extra food stamps, to help those in need. However, these emergency allotments are set to expire, and it’s crucial for individuals to understand when they will no longer receive these additional benefits.
Timeline for the Expiration of Emergency Allotments
- December 2020 – May 2023: Emergency allotments were provided nationwide, and all states offered the maximum additional SNAP benefits.
- June 2023 – September 2023: Many states began to reduce or eliminate emergency allotments based on their specific circumstances and budget constraints.
- October 2023 and Onward: Emergency allotments are expected to end in most states, with SNAP recipients receiving their regular benefit amounts.
Reasons for the Expiration of Emergency Allotments
- Improved Economic Conditions: As the economy recovers from the pandemic, the government believes that individuals and families can gradually return to their pre-pandemic financial situations.
- Need to Balance Budget: The emergency allotments have significantly increased the cost of the SNAP program, and the government needs to reassess its budget allocations.
- Return to Normal Operations: The goal is to transition back to the regular SNAP benefit levels, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the program.
Impact of the Expiration on SNAP Recipients
The expiration of emergency allotments will affect SNAP recipients in various ways:
- Reduced Benefit Amounts: Individuals and families will receive their regular SNAP benefit amounts, which may be lower than what they were receiving during the emergency period.
- Increased Food Insecurity: With less financial assistance for food purchases, some households may experience food insecurity, leading to difficulty in meeting their dietary needs.
- Possible Need for Additional Assistance: SNAP recipients may need to explore other sources of support, such as local food banks or community organizations, to supplement their reduced benefits.
| Benefit Component | Before Pandemic | During Pandemic with Emergency Allotments | After Emergency Allotments Expire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Monthly Benefit for a Family of Four | $658 | $939 | $658 |
| Average Monthly Benefit per Person | $121 | $219 | $121 |
| Number of SNAP Recipients | 43.1 Million | 61.1 Million | To be determined |
Threshold Extended
The federal government has extended the threshold for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, commonly known as food stamps. This means that more people will be eligible for benefits and those who are already receiving benefits will see an increase in their monthly allotment.
The extension was included in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which was signed into law in March. The act extended the increased SNAP benefits through September 2021. After September 2021, the SNAP benefits will return to their pre-pandemic levels.
The following table shows the new SNAP income and asset limits:
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income Limit | Net Monthly Income Limit | Asset Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,944 | $1,353 | $2,250 |
| 2 | $2,616 | $1,816 | $3,250 |
| 3 | $3,288 | $2,279 | $4,250 |
| 4 | $3,960 | $2,741 | $5,250 |
| 5 | $4,632 | $3,204 | $6,250 |
| 6 | $5,304 | $3,667 | $7,250 |
| 7 | $5,976 | $4,129 | $8,250 |
| 8 | $6,648 | $4,592 | $9,250 |
To apply for SNAP benefits, you can visit your local SNAP office or apply online. You will need to provide proof of income, assets, and household size.
And there you have it, folks! I hope this article has helped answer your questions about when those extra food stamps might be coming to an end. If you’re still in doubt, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local USDA office or check their website for more information. In the meantime, keep an eye out for any updates or changes. Thanks for reading, and be sure to visit again soon for more informative and engaging articles like this one. Take care!